Naidu for making Kadapa district as world tourism centre

AP Chief Ministeri N. Chandrababu Naidu has suggested development of Kadapa district into a world tourist destination.

In a review meeting with Tourism officials in here on Thursday, the Chief Minister set a six-month deadline for completion of Phase I works of the Gandikota Project. In this regard, the Chief Minister asked the officials to hire consultant services to introduce ropeway, rock lifting, boating park, amusement park, shopping area, resort and other tourist amenities. “This will not just promote tourism, but also increase passenger traffic at Kadapa Airport,” he added.

“Submit proposals to develop Kadapa into a major entertainment and adventurous destination”, he added. He directed the officials to hold a geological survey on stone rocks, Penna River, reservoirs and other regions. It has also been decided to construct a glass balcony in Gandikota on the lines of Grand Canyon located in America.

The Chief Minister said the Tirumala Tirupati Devastanams (TTD) has come forward for the development of Ontimitta temple at an expenditure of Rs 20 crore and directed the officials to complete construction works at the temple before Sri Rama Navami next year. He also asked them top prepare a master plan for construction of marriage halls, hotels and choultries. “Tirupati must emerge as a lake city by developing 100 ponds in the town, along with Vijawada as Canal City and Vizag and Beach City,” the Chief Minister said. He also directed the officials to ensure clearances within 21 days for companies that have already signed MoUs for various tourism projects.

“Create a milestone and update the progress of the projects to the Dash Board,” he said. The Chief Minister also suggested setting up of Hospitality University and Culinary Institute on the same premises in Tirupati. The Chief Minister examined the idea of developing Nagarjuna Sagar into a Buddhist Heritage site. He also directed the officials to speed up construction works of the convention centre spread across six acres in Rajahmundry.

Meanwhile, Tourism Secretary Nirab Kumar informed the Chief Minister that they have designed a PPP-based model for the development of Kotappakonda. He also presented the working statuses of tourism projects in various districts.

Special Chief Secretary (Forests) S.K Farida, Secretary (Tourism) Nirab Kumar, Advisor (Communications) Dr Parakala Prabhakar, Principal Secretary to CM Satish Chandra, Secretary to CM Sai Prasad, Kadapa district Collector Ramana, Superintending Archaeologist N. Tahir and others attended the meeting. (NSS)